We’ve told you before about Japan’s pet boom, which has doubtless been assisted this year by the zodiac calendar’s timely turn to the Year of the Dog. In addition to dog yukatas, doggie onsen and doggie ninja outfits, canines can now join their very own gyms, which specially designed exercise classes.

At Copin Dog Mediness, a canine fitness club in Nagoya, about 20 dogs exercise in the pool for rehabilitation or to shed some weight. The place is always full.

Gintaro, an 18-month-old Great Pyranees, is guided around the small pool by an instructor. The large white dog has a weak hip and is getting rehabilitation at the club three times a week to help him recover from from surgery last year. “The training is helping him to gain muscular strength,” said his owner, Yachiyo Takashima, a part-time worker in Nagoya.

I suppose this could also be seen as more evidence of Japan’s recovering economy.